Improved messaging system

Abstract

A messaging system, the messaging system including a sending device unit and a receiving device unit, for sending and receiving text messages by a central unit associated with a database, the database being managed by a management system, and i and data relating to all graphic and / or audio elements loaded into the database in dimensions and / or grades D1, D2, D3, and / or D4, with the same content but lower than D1. X and data relating to corresponding audio and / or graphic elements having a size and / or grade of the corresponding audio and / or graphic elements downloaded from a central unit, having reduced size and the messages therein implemented and / or used by the sending / receiving units. The graphic and / or audio elements of lower size and / or grade, when displayed on the screen, occupy an area of ​​the display that is selectable by touch or by clicking.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved messaging system, preferably instantaneous, and an open method for managing graphic and / or audio elements in a messaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, in messaging systems, especially in instantaneous ones, emoticons are already widely used, which aim to use certain combinations of characters (letters, numbers, punctuation marks, etc...) to create symbolic graphic representations and to represent, within the text of the message itself, fictive expressions that express a certain mood.

[0003] So-called "emoji" are also known, which, instead of an actual image, are associated and bound to a specific coding, generally of the Unicode type. For this purpose, emoji must be supported by appropriate software that is able to read them, otherwise they cannot be displayed.

[0004] In this situation, when exchanging messages containing emojis, it may happen that different images are associated with the same encoding between the sender and the recipient, which may cause unwanted misunderstandings. Moreover, sometimes the recipient's device does not support a particular emoji or does not have an image associated with the encoding used by the sender, which may cause the display of unpleasant spaces or white squares.

[0005] WO2017 / 059524 describes a messaging system in which all users can use all graphic elements (such as emojis, stickers, memes, etc.) loaded into the system, and in particular there is no prior authorization / authorization architecture and mechanism (as well as control of this authorization / authorization) for the use or insertion of graphic elements in messages to be sent. In particular, to facilitate the diffuse dissemination of the graphic elements used in the system, when a message with a graphic element is received by a corresponding receiving device and downloaded from a centralized library if necessary, this element can be freely inserted by the recipient thereafter in new messages that he sends as the sender.

[0006] WO2014 / 100682 describes a messaging system in which, when a message having graphic and / or audio elements - which are not already present in the local library of the receiving device - is received by a corresponding receiving device, the graphic and / or audio elements are downloaded from a centralized library and transmitted in advance on a server to the local library of the receiving device. This graphic and / or audio element can then be freely inserted by the recipient into new messages that he or she subsequently sends as the sender, once it has been downloaded to the local library of the recipient device.

[0007] US2015 / 0327033 describes a messaging system in which, to send messages containing graphic elements, and to uniquely identify these graphic elements, zero-width Unicode sequences (ZW) are inserted within the message itself.

[0008] US9699299 describes a messaging system for sending messages containing graphic and / or audio elements associated with tags, intended to be typed - using a keyboard - by the sending user when preparing a message to be sent. Moreover, in this messaging system, each tag can be associated with a number of graphic and / or audio elements. In particular, each time during the preparation of a new message, the sending user enters a word corresponding to a particular tag, and the software is configured to execute two queries, one directed to a local library loaded in the sending device and one directed to a remote memory loaded on a central server, and identify all graphic and / or audio elements associated with the tag. Again, when a message with a graphic and / or audio element - one that is not already present in the local library of the receiving device - is received by the corresponding receiving device, the graphic and / or audio element is downloaded from the centralized library and present on the server in the local library of the receiving device. Thus, in all cases according to the above method, once downloaded to the local library of the receiving device, this graphic and / or audio element can be freely inserted thereafter by the recipient at the stage of preparation of a new message to be sent as the sender.

[0009] WO2015 / 122993 describes a messaging system in which senders and receivers can create animations in which their respective avatars interact with each other in their conversation. The system is configured such that in the message the avatars are identified not by a unique code but by a combination of values ​​associated with a set of their attributes, and further the message is inserted in a message.code (ACC) indicating the type of animation to be created between the sender's avatar and the receiver's avatar. To correctly display the message, the software of the receiving device is configured to perform this identification of the ACC code in the message, reconstructing the animation of the respective avatar and subsequently displaying it, so that it subsequently recovers the corresponding animation from a first database, as well as identifying the individual attributes of the avatars - of both the sender and the receiver - so that the avatars can be locally reconstructed / assembled for use in the animation. Furthermore, the messaging system is configured such that the animation on the sender's device display is created and displayed only after a confirmation of receipt is received from the receiver's device.

[0010] US2007 / 0101005 describes a method for transferring emoticons between different communication devices. In particular, the method provides a conversion unit for identifying and extracting emoticons from a corresponding database readable by a receiving device. For this purpose, the conversion unit is connected to an emoticon database in which a transcoding table of emoticons managed by the sending device is stored in an emoticon managed by the receiving device.

[0011] KR20050020386 describes a system for transmitting images between two mobile phones via MMS (Multimedia Message Service), which also predicts the presence of a conversion unit, which extracts from a database in which content of various formats or resolutions is stored a suitable graphical content to be displayed by a receiving device. In particular, for this purpose, the conversion unit is associated to a database in which data on all sending and receiving devices are stored in order to extract the suitable content for each device.

[0012] The solutions of US2007 / 0101005 and KR20050020386 are not entirely satisfactory as they only offer for sending graphical content as MMS, thus imposing limitations on the size, format and / or type of content that can be transferred.

[0013] Furthermore, conventional instant messaging systems are not entirely satisfactory for displaying graphical content (both images and videos, and preferably emojis, or generally emoticon-style illustrations) within and / or together with the text of the messages, as these contents are necessarily and inevitably displayed on the display of the portable device with a particularly reduced resolution and dimensions, which makes it impossible to fully appreciate the detailed and / or artistic aspects of the graphical content.

[0014] This is the case for graphically sophisticated and complex emojis (i.e., symbols or stylized illustrations of ideas, physical objects, concepts, and / or moods), which are frequently requested by users and which convey a wider variety and more in-depth content than traditional emojis, such as simple emoticons or stylized "smiley face" representations.

[0015] Moreover, currently, on the one hand, there is little possibility for users to personalize the graphic content (and especially the emojis) to be used in their messages, and at the same time, it is particularly difficult for new graphic content creators to promote or make the content they create publicly available while also gaining recognition (also financially) for their creations. Essentially, there is an increasing need for a platform where new content creators can easily promote and share their creations, which are generally quite sophisticated, so that users can purchase and / or download them and subsequently use them in messages. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of the present invention is to propose a messaging system that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks present in the prior art.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that allows users to use / insert customized graphic and / or audio elements within the text of a message.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that allows the user to optimally display graphic elements that are placed within a message together with the text of the message itself.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that allows users to view graphic elements in a fully expanded and detailed manner within the same system and to understand their creative sophistication.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that allows visualizing graphical elements in an enlarged manner within the same system, so that this enlargement is automatically adapted to the size of the display of the device on which the element graphic itself is displayed.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system capable of implementing, within the same system, graphic and / or audio elements in a faster and more performant way than conventional solutions.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system capable of conveying to the user of the system itself more information regarding the graphic and / or audio elements inserted in the message.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system which allows for a fast, simple and easy to operate connection within the same system to specific sections of an IT platform, preferably to sections where graphic and / or audio elements can be purchased and / or downloaded for use in said messaging system.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that allows users to customize the balloons (i.e. frames containing text) to be used in messages, in particular in messages where graphic elements are conveyed inside the balloons and / or personalized audio.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system which allows users to customize the avatars (i.e. the graphical representation used by each user to identify himself when communicating with other users, for example in a chat) to be used in messages, in particular in messages in which graphic and / or audio elements are conveyed inside a balloon.

[0026] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system capable of transferring graphic and / or audio elements that are not necessarily present on the recipient's terminal.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that guarantees the exact display of the same graphical elements by both the sender and the recipient of the message.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system whereby a user can easily create graphic and / or audio elements and make them available to other users so that they can use them in their messages.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system which enables a user to easily and quickly synchronize and maintain the synchronization of graphic and / or audio elements to be used in a message on several terminals.

[0030] Another object is to propose a messaging system in which each user can effectively use only those graphical elements that have been created and / or purchased by that user and - in general - authenticated for that user, while at the same time, as a recipient of a message, that user can correctly display all graphical elements, even those that have not been created and / or purchased by that user and / or authenticated by that user.

[0031] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system in which the graphic elements to be used in the messages do not depend on standard Unicode encoding and are therefore not subject to approval by the Unicode Consortium.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to propose an improved and / or alternative messaging system.

[0033] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system with alternative characteristics, which replaces the conventional ones both in terms of functionality and implementation.

[0034] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that is simple, easy to use and easy to operate.

[0035] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that makes it possible to reduce the consumption of resources by the hardware devices involved and to reduce the use of the frequency bands occupied by the network.

[0036] Another object of the invention is to propose a messaging system that can be implemented simply, quickly and at low cost.

[0037] All these and other objects according to the following description are achieved according to the invention by a system having the characteristics set out in claim 1. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] The invention will be further defined below in preferred embodiments thereof, reported by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the infrastructure of a messaging system according to the invention; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a database implementation. [Diagram 3] 4 shows an example of a data structure transmitted from a transmitting terminal to a central unit. [Figure 4] 4 shows an example of a structured data packet processed by the central unit. [Diagram 5] 1 shows an example of an avatar selection screen. [Figure 6] 1 shows an example screen depicting an avatar library. [Figure 7] 1 shows an example of a chatting screen with a library of graphic elements to insert into the text. [Figure 8] 1 shows an example of a chat screen with a balloon library. [Figure 9] 1 shows an example of a chat screen on a portable device. [Figure 10] 1 shows an example of a chat screen in a computer browser. [Figure 11] 2 shows a flow chart of the steps provided for sending a message from a sender to a recipient in a messaging system according to the present invention; [Figure 12] 2 shows a flowchart of the functionality of the architecture / mechanism for ensuring the accuracy of the sending user's identity within the messaging system according to the present invention. [Figure 13]1 shows a flowchart of the functionality of an architecture / mechanism for synchronizing and using only authorized graphic / audio elements at a sending device. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows a first example of a first screen as implemented and created on a display of a portable device (smartphone) by the messaging system according to the invention, in which an exchange of messages (chat) between a sending user and a receiving user is displayed, and furthermore, inside the messages graphic elements are inserted in the form of stylized graphic illustrations (emoji®). [Figure 15] 15 shows a second screen created by the messaging system of the present invention, in which the graphical elements of FIG. 14 are scaled and optimized based on the display size of the portable device. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 shows a second example of a first screen as implemented and produced on a display of a portable device (smartphone) by the messaging system according to the present invention, in which an exchange of messages (chat) between a sending user and a receiving user is displayed, and in which graphic elements are inserted inside the messages in the form of stylized graphic illustrations (emoji®). [Figure 17] 17 shows an enlarged detail of FIG. 16. [Figure 18a] FIG. 3 shows a third example of a first screen as implemented and created on a display of a portable device (smartphone) by the messaging system according to the present invention, where both a typing keyboard and an exchange of messages (chat) between a sending user and a receiving user are displayed. [Figure 18b] FIG. 3 shows a third example of a first screen as implemented and created on a display of a portable device (smartphone) by the messaging system according to the present invention, where only the exchange of messages (chat) between the sending user and the receiving user is displayed. [Figure 19] 18b shows a second screen created by the messaging system according to the present invention, in which the graphical elements of FIG. 18b are displayed in an enlarged and optimized manner based on the size of the display of the portable device. [Figure 20] 2 shows a schematic diagram of the infrastructure of the messaging system according to the invention when loading new graphic elements into the system itself; [Figure 21] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the infrastructure of a messaging system according to the invention, whereby a graphical element is first displayed within a message in a first screen and then an enlarged version of this graphical element is displayed in a second screen. [Figure 22] 18b shows a second screen created by the messaging system of the present invention, in which the graphical element of FIG. 18b is shown in an enlarged manner and graphical elements belonging to the same collection / group of said enlarged graphical element are also displayed. [Diagram 23] 18b shows a second screen generated by the messaging system according to the present invention, in which the graphical element of FIG. 18b is displayed in an enlarged manner together with further content, which content is associated with said enlarged graphical element. [Figure 24] Shows a platform screen where information related to graphical elements can be modified. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] As a preliminary note, in this specification, a "message" (60) is defined to mean the set of all elements, both textual, graphical (both still and animated) and / or audio and / or video, that are presented on the display screen within a single frame, hereinafter defined as a "balloon", or that are presented within the screen in a spaced or graphically separated manner with respect to other chat messages.

[0040] In particular, the message (60) may contain: - only text (39), - only one or more graphic elements (31), or - a combination of text (39) and one or more graphic elements (31).

[0041] Advantageously, the graphical elements can also serve as identification and / or activation icons for audio elements (eg, for playing so-called "voice messages") and / or videos.

[0042] Instead, "avatar" means a graphical representation used by each user to identify himself or herself when communicating with other users, such as in a chat, or when sending messages.

[0043] In particular, "graphic elements" generally mean symbols, icons or images to be inserted within a balloon / message frame (static and animated) - either together with any text, between any text or even without the latter. Preferably, but not necessarily, these images represent a concept, emotion or mood, substantially corresponding to an "emoji".

[0044] As can be seen from the figure, the basic structure of the messaging system according to the invention, generally designated by reference number (2), comprises at least one central unit (8), at least one sending device (4) and at least one receiving device (6) provided with communication means for sending and receiving data.

[0045] Advantageously, the messaging system (2) according to the invention is of the type described in PCT / IB2018 / 055193, the contents of which are intended to be incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

[0046] Advantageously, data transfer between the devices (4, 6) and the central unit (8) occurs according to a conventional client-server architecture, for example using the HTTP transfer / communication protocol (HyperText Transfer Protocol).

[0047] Preferably, this transfer / communication protocol is secure, i.e. it follows a cryptographic protocol, for example of HTTPS type using an encrypted connection, for example TLS (Transport Layer Security) or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). Preferably, the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) comprise a client consisting of a computer or a portable type device, for example a smartphone or a tablet. Preferably, the central unit (8) comprises at least a processor (10), for example a real or virtual remote server and / or a cloud system.

[0048] The central unit (8) includes at least one database (12) and / or is associated to a further database (47) containing data relating to all graphic and / or audio elements (31) that can be managed by the messaging system (2).

[0049] Preferably, at least one database (12) is loaded inside the unit control unit (8), said database (12) being provided in a conventional manner with support for storing data and a processor for processing them (a database server) and a software application (i.e. a database management system) for creating, manipulating, managing and efficiently querying the data stored in the media.

[0050] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 2, the central database (12) comprises: a user data dataset (14) containing data for each user of the system, in particular this dataset containing at least a unique user ID code, username and password, and preferably further including first and last name, contact references (e.g. email address) and other conventional data registration; and one or more element datasets (16) containing at least a unique identification code (ID) of all graphical elements (both static and animated), and / or audio and / or video (31) manageable through the messaging system (2), in particular in the case of graphical elements this dataset containing for each graphical element at least a unique identification code (ID) (30) of the same.

[0051] Advantageously, particularly in the case of a graphical element, the similar element data set (16) can also contain data defining the actual image (31) (i.e. a bitmap representation, preferably according to base64 encoding, or a vectorial digital image), the type and / or variety of the image, a miniaturized preview (thumbnail) of the image, and an ID identification code of the author / creator of this graphical element.

[0052] Preferably, the element data set (16), in addition to the unique identification code (ID) (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31), further comprises an address / location (e.g. web URL) of another / further database (47) in the cloud - and preferably in this database (47) a detailed address or location of the corresponding recording - in which the actual graphic and / or audio element (31) is stored in an organized manner. Advantageously, according to a preferred mode of realization, in the data set (16) of the central database (12), the unique identification code (ID) (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31) corresponds to a unique address / location (preferably web), which unique address / location identifies a recording in a further database (47) (also in the cloud) in which data defining the actual element (31) is stored.

[0053] Advantageously, all graphic and / or audio and / or video elements (31) that can be transferred by the messaging system (2) according to the invention are uniquely identified in the database (12) by the unique identification code (30) of the element data set (16). In particular, this means that in the database (12), each graphic and / or audio and / or video element (31) that can be managed and transferred through the messaging system (2) is provided with its own unique identification code and is therefore reliably distinguishable and different from those of all other graphic and / or audio elements. Preferably, the unique identification code (30) of each graphic and / or audio and / or video element (31) of the element data set (16) is randomly generated or predetermined (and subsequently associated), this being done by a specifically assigned software module located anywhere in the database (12) and / or within the central unit (8).

[0054] Preferably, the database (12) is arranged and structured such that the user dataset (14) and the component dataset (16) are related to each other by a relationship (18) (which essentially constitutes another dataset) that includes the elements (31) of the dataset (16) that are available / usable / manageable by each user of the dataset (14).

[0055] Preferably, each row of the relationship dataset (18) includes a unique identification code ID of a user (as derived from the user dataset (14)) and a unique identification code (30) of a graphic and / or audio element (31) (as derived from the element dataset (16)), which unique identification code (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31) is associated with that particular user and an identification of whether this user is authorized / authorized or not to use this graphic and / or audio element (31) within the messaging system (2).

[0056] Advantageously, the database 12 is arranged and structured such that similar graphical and / or audio elements of the data set 16 can be associated and thus managed by multiple users of the data set 14 in a relationship 18. Advantageously, it will be appreciated that the database 12 of the central unit 8 according to the invention contains data of all graphical and / or audio elements of all users.

[0057] Advantageously, in this way, i.e. by associating each user with one or more graphic and / or audio elements (31) (and therefore also vice versa, i.e. by associating each graphic and / or audio element with one or more users), the architecture allows each user to manage and effectively use only those graphic and / or audio elements (31) that are associated with him / her, as defined by the relationship (18) between the data sets (14) and (16). Essentially, a particular user is authorized / audio to insert a particular graphic and / or audio element (31) in a message to be sent only if a relationship (18) exists between said user and said element, and in particular if the user's unique ID identification code is associated with the unique identification code (30) of said element.

[0058] Preferably, when a user is the one who created / uploaded this graphic and / or audio element (31) within the messaging system (2) and / or when a user is the one who is authorized to use this graphic and / or audio element within the messaging system (2) - for example, by the user purchasing it for free or for a "paid" fee - a report (18) - which precisely makes it possible to authorize / authorize a particular user to use a particular graphic and / or audio element in a message to be sent - can be created.

[0059] Preferably, in the database (12), the user dataset (14) and the element dataset (16) are related to each other by two types of relationships (18) (which relationships thus effectively define two further datasets), the two types of relationships (18) including, respectively, elements of the dataset (16) created by each user of the dataset (14) and elements of the dataset (16) relating to the authenticated / authorized status of each user of the dataset (14) (e.g. by having made a corresponding purchase).

[0060] Advantageously, the messaging system according to the invention is configured such that: - a first software module sends a request for authorization / license to the central unit (8) for the use of a particular graphic and / or audio element (31), preferably upon payment of a fee, and - after approval of the request, the software defines a relationship (18) between the unique identifier of the user who sent said request to the central unit (8) and the unique identification code (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31) for which the request has been made.

[0061] Advantageously, as shown in Fig. 2, the element data set (16) comprises a first database (21) containing data and / or references (i.e. addresses or locations in the author database / further database (47)) of symbols, icons or images that are generally to be inserted with or between any text (39) within the balloon of the message itself, as well as unique identification codes (ID) (23) of these images (33) that may be inserted with or between the text of the message. Preferably, but not necessarily, these images (33) represent, in a stylized way, at least a concept, idea, object, emotion or mood that substantially corresponds to an emoji®.

[0062] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 2, the element data set (16) includes a second data set (17) that generally includes data (including data including at least one unique identification code) and / or references (i.e., addresses or locations in another database) of symbols, icons or images to be used as avatars (35), as well as unique identification codes (IDs) (34) of the same.

[0063] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 2, the element data set (16) includes a third data set (19) that includes data (including at least one unique identification code) and / or references (i.e. addresses or locations in another database) of balloons (37) of different shapes or sizes containing the text of a message, as well as the unique identification codes (IDs) (32) of the former.

[0064] Any person, properly as an author, and not necessarily identified / registered in the user database (14), can generate graphic and / or audio elements and properly upload them to the element database (16) of the central database (12) and / or to the additional connected databases (47), so that they become available to users of the identification system (2) as identified / registered in the user database (14) and thus enable said users to download locally on their devices, from the database (12) and / or from the additional connected databases (47), graphic and / or audio elements identified by the unique identification code (30) present in the element database (16), so that they may be used in messages and transmitted within the messaging system (2), as will be made clearer below.

[0065] Advantageously, as mentioned, the element data set (16) comprises - and / or is connected to - another database (47), which in turn comprises - data defining / constituting the graphic and / or audio elements (31) and in particular - a set of data, suitably coded according to a specific format, defining a digital image or music or video.

[0066] Advantageously, in the central database (12) or in a further database (47) connected to said central database (12) data (31) are stored that define the graphic and / or audio elements in original dimensions and grades of details (D1), which details (D1) advantageously correspond to those of their creation and / or are maximally achievable.

[0067] In particular in the case of graphic elements, data (31) defining a digital image having a resolution equal to (R1) are preferably stored in the central database (12) or in a further database (47) connected to the central database (12). Preferably, the resolution (R1) indicates the number of pixels per inch in height and width that the image has.

[0068] Preferably, the resolution (R1) corresponds to the resolution of the original / initial image loaded by the author of the image itself or by another subject. Advantageously, the resolution (R1) is a high-resolution value that allows to understand all the details of the image. Advantageously, the resolution (R1) is substantially equal to or greater than 1080x1080 pixels, and preferably has a DPI ("dots per inch") equal to or greater than (72). In particular, advantageously, in the central database (12) or in a further database (47) connected to said central database (12), data (31) are stored that define a digital image with a color depth (i.e. a parameter, generally expressed in bits, indicating the number of colors that each pixel can have) equal to (P1). Advantageously, the color depth (P1) corresponds to the color depth of the original / initial image loaded by the author of the image itself or by another subject. Advantageously, the color depth (P1) is a high value that allows to understand all the color details of the image. Preferably, the color depth (P1) is substantially equal to or greater than 8 bits.

[0069] In particular, preferably in the central database (12) or in a further database (47) connected to said central database (12), data are defined that define a digital image having dimensions in pixels (i.e. the total number of pixels along the width and height of the image) equal to length (L1) and height (H1). Preferably, dimensions (L1) and (H1) correspond to those of an original / initial image, loaded by the author of the image itself or by another subject. Advantageously, dimensions (L1) and (H1) are of high value, making it possible to understand all the details of the image. Preferably, dimensions (L1) and / or (H1), respectively, are substantially equal to or exceed 1080 pixels.

[0070] Alternatively, in the case of audio files, the data (31) defining the audio files is stored in the central database (12) or in the further database (47), preferably in a "lossless" format, i.e. at a level of detail substantially corresponding to the level of detail used when the audio files were recorded, for example in FLAC, APE or ALE format. Preferably, the data (31) may be in high resolution, i.e. at a resolution (R1) corresponding to a bit rate of at least 1200 kbit / min. Preferably, the data may have a depth of at least 44.1 kHz / 16 bits.

[0071] Alternatively, in the case of video files, data defining a video file with a high level of detail, preferably high resolution, is stored in the central database (12) or in a further database (47), i.e. for example at a resolution (R1) corresponding to HD (1920x1080 pixels) or 4K (3840x2160 pixels, 4096x2304 pixels or 4096x3072 pixels) video, preferably in progressive mode using high resolution audio.

[0072] The sending and receiving devices (4, 6) are configured to perform network transmission and reception of text messages (60), either via the Internet or a local network, by a central unit (8) with which both devices communicate.

[0073] The first software module is loaded and / or executed within the sender (4) and / or the receiver (6). Advantageously, in the case of a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet, the first software module consists of a traditional mobile software application, also known as an APP. Advantageously, the first software module may also be in the form of a web application or a desktop application.

[0074] The first software modules of the devices (4, 6) are also configured to load into the database (12) of the central unit (8), or into a further database (47), graphic and / or audio elements generated by a user (author), so as to subsequently make them available to users of the messaging system (2).

[0075] In particular, for this purpose, a first software module of the device (4, 6) transmits certain graphic and / or audio elements (31) generated or available locally on the device to the central unit (8) (see FIG. 21), which then stores them inside the database (12) associating them with the unique identification code (30).

[0076] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31) transmitted and loaded within the database (12) of the central unit (8) or the further database (47) have a particularly high dimension and / or degree of detail (herein called (D1)) and preferably have a particularly high dimension and / or degree corresponding to the maximum obtainable and / or corresponding to what the graphic and / or audio element represents when it is created. In particular, in the case of an image, the image has a resolution equivalent to (R1) and possibly pixel dimensions (L1) and (H1) and / or a color depth (P1). Thus, in the database (12) of the central unit (8) or in the further database (47) connected thereto, an image having a resolution equivalent to (R1) is thus loaded and stored, possibly having pixel dimensions (L1) and (H1) and / or a color depth (P1).

[0077] Advantageously, in the case of an audio file, the level of detail (D) may be related to, for example, the bit rate and / or the compression codec (format), and advantageously, in the case of a video file, the level of detail (D) may be related to a combination of the level of detail of the image and the level of detail of the audio file.

[0078] Preferably, in order for a graphic and / or audio element (31) to be used / inserted by the sending user in a message (60), the graphic element (31) with its unique identifier (30) must be available / present in the local memory of the sending device (4), so that the unique identification code (30) can preferably be inserted within the message (60) and thus within the data structure (20) transmitted to the central unit (8) according to the method described below.

[0079] Advantageously, the messaging system (2) also includes software loaded and / or executed on the central unit (8) and configured to define relationships (18) for associating a user with a corresponding graphic and / or audio element (31) (and in particular for associating a unique identification code ID of this user with the unique identification code (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31)) and vice versa, so that this user can use in messages to be sent only those graphic and / or audio elements (31) that are associated with him / her through the relationships (18).

[0080] Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 20, the software loaded and / or executed in the central unit (8) - starting from a graphic and / or audio element, which has already been loaded in the database (12) of the central unit (8), or in the further database (47), and which has a high dimension and / or degree of detail equivalent to (D1) - and at least one corresponding graphic and / or audio element (31) having the same content but with a dimension and / or degree of detail (D2). Y ), where (D2) is lower than (D1).

[0081] Preferably, graphic and / or audio elements (31) of size and / or degree of detail (D2) Y ) is created automatically as soon as a graphic and / or audio element of a size and / or degree equal to the detail (D1) is loaded into the database (12) of the central unit (8) or into the further database (47).

[0082] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31) of size and / or grade of detail (D2) Y) is created automatically when an initial purchase of a graphic and / or audio element is made, or when it is requested or first downloaded to a sending / receiving device, or even when it is requested to be used within the messaging system (2).

[0083] Advantageously, corresponding graphic and / or audio elements (31) having a size and / or a degree of detail (D2) are Y ) are also loaded and stored in a data set element (16) of the database (12) of the central unit (8) or in a further database (47).

[0084] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31) thus created are of a size and / or degree of detail (D2). Y ) may substantially correspond to a compressed version of a graphic and / or audio element of a size and / or grade of detail (D1).

[0085] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31) so created are of a size and / or degree of detail (D2). Y ) may be of suitable size and / or have a suitable degree of detail to be used in the message (60) and preferably also to be inserted between words in the message itself.

[0086] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31) thus created are of a size and / or class of detail (D2). Y ) may have the same or different formats with respect to the graphic and / or audio elements of the dimensions and / or grade of detail (D1).

[0087] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31) thus created are of a size and / or degree of detail (D2). Y) is suitable for use as a preview of graphic and / or audio elements of size and / or grade of detail (D1).

[0088] In particular, in the case of images, the software loaded and / or executed in the central unit (8) starts from a file already loaded in the database (12) of the central unit (8) or in a further database (47) and having a resolution (R1) and possibly a color depth (P1), and then downloads at least one corresponding file (31) having the same content but with a lower resolution (R2) than (R1) and, in the case of graphic elements, possibly with a color depth (P2) lower than P1. Y ) is configured to create

[0089] Advantageously, in the case of an image, the software (which) is loaded and / or executed in the central unit (8) - starting from an image already loaded in the database (12) or in the further database (47) of the central unit (8) and having resolution dimensions (L1) and (H1) - will generate at least one corresponding image (31) having the same content but with dimensions (L2) and (H2) smaller than the aforementioned dimensions (L1) and (H1). Y )

[0090] Preferably, an image 31 having a resolution (R2) Y is thus created and corresponds substantially to a "thumbnail" version of the starting image, but the starting image has a resolution (R1) and corresponds to that sent to and stored in the central unit (8) after creation.

[0091] Advantageously, the first software module is operable to display on a display of a sending device (4) of a user a typing keyboard (77) in which graphic and / or audio elements (31) of size and / or degree of detail (D2) are displayed. Y ) is represented as follows.

[0092] Advantageously, as represented in FIG. 20 and as described in more detail below, the software, which is loaded and / or executed in the central unit 8, is configured to generate - starting from a graphic and / or audio element (31) already loaded in the database (12) of the central unit (8) or in the further database (47) and having a size and a degree of detail equal to (D1) - a graphic and / or audio element (31) having the same content but with less detail (D X ) having the dimensions and / or scale of the corresponding graphic and / or audio elements (31 X ), where (D X ) is less than (D1) and is correspondingly dynamically defined based on the dimensions and / or degree of detail of the display of a device that has made a request to the central unit (8) by a first software module.

[0093] Advantageously, the first software module is configured to display on the display of a user's sending device (4) a typing keyboard (77) containing only those graphic and / or audio elements (31) associated with that user by a relationship (18), i.e. because the user himself has been authenticated / authorized as the creator of the graphic and / or audio elements or because he has purchased them. Advantageously, the first software module is able to load into the messaging system (2) (and in particular to transmit to the database (12) of the central unit (8)) the graphic and / or audio elements created by users of the system (2) once they have been identified and already registered in the user data set (14); in particular, in this case, the software - loaded and executed in the central unit (8) - is configured to create a new relationship (18) (preferably of the first type defined above) that associates a user identification code with the unique identification code (31) of the graphic and / or audio elements (31) so loaded.

[0094] Advantageously, the first software module is configured to enable a user of the system (2), when identified and already registered in the user data set (14), to request and obtain - for example by direct or indirect purchase, free of charge or with a post-paid "fee" - authorization / license to use in messages to be sent graphic and / or audio elements created by other users, and in particular, also in this case, the software is configured to create a relationship (18) (preferably of the second type defined above) associating a user identification code with a unique identification code (31) of the graphic and / or audio element (31) so authorized / licensed.

[0095] In particular, the first software module is also configured to send the text message (60) by making a request to the central unit (8) (server) based on a communication protocol, preferably HTTPS. Advantageously, this request is made by the POST method in order to send the data structures (20) to the central unit (8) without indicating them in the search string (query string), but this request can also be made by the GET method passing the data in the search string.

[0096] Preferably, the data structure (20) (defined as "$DATA" in FIG. 3) generated by the first software module contains all the data / values / records of the fields that are sent as input to the software that is loaded and executed in the computer (10) of the central unit (8). In particular, as shown in FIG. 3, the data structure (20) contains the following fields: - the conversation identification field ("id_conversation") and / or the recipient (24) (i.e. "receiver id"), - The text field of the message (26) (i.e. "Text").

[0097] Advantageously, in one embodiment, the data structure 20 may also include a sender identification field 22 (ie, "sender_id").

[0098] In particular, the message text field (26) contains both the text (39) (i.e. the collection of words that make up the message) and the unique identification code (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31). Suitably, this unique identification code (30) inserted in the text field (26) is suitably positioned upstream and / or downstream between the labels / precoded characters / symbols (28). More particularly, as shown in Figure 3, the identification code "123" of the first graphic element is inserted between the precoded characters "&#" and the same applies to the identification code "456" of the second graphic element.

[0099] Advantageously, the data structure 20 also includes a field for uniquely identifying the balloon 32 (i.e., "ID_balloon"), and a field for uniquely identifying the avatar 34 (i.e., "ID_avatar"). Advantageously, the data structure also includes a field for defining the type of message 36 (i.e., "MessageType"), and a field for indicating whether it is a message sent to a single recipient or a message sent to multiple recipients.

[0100] Preferably, the first software module is configured to assign corresponding values ​​(38) to the fields (22, 24, 26, 32, 34, and 36) of the data structure (20), the corresponding values ​​(38) being set and selected by the user by acting on the graphic interface of the sending device (4) when preparing and sending the message (60) and / or being automatically defined by the software module itself. For example, the recipient identification field (24) and the message text field (26) may be enhanced based on what the user selects by acting on the graphic interface of the device, while the sender identification field (22) - if provided - may be enhanced directly and automatically by the software module based on default settings on the device.

[0101] As stated above, the software is loaded and executed within the processor (10) of the central unit (8).

[0102] Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment, the first software module loaded in the sending device (4) and the software loaded in the central unit (8) are also configured to implement an architecture / procedure for authenticating the sending user (see FIG. 12) using the messaging system (2) and ensuring the correctness of the identity of the sending user using the messaging system (2) within the messaging system according to the present invention.

[0103] In particular, to implement this authentication procedure of the sending user, the first software is configured to perform the following operations: - A first software module of the sending device (4) transmits the data entered (username and password) when the user acts on the sending device (4) to log into the messaging system (2) to the software of the central unit (8). - The software in the central unit (8) checks the received data (i.e. whether they match any users already registered in the messaging system - preferably by querying a user dataset (14)), extracts the corresponding user's ID identification code, and - among other things - creates a corresponding computer object X containing this code. - Unit software (8) encrypts computer object X with a private key, thus generating an encrypted computer object Y. - The software of the central unit (8) transmits the encrypted computer object Y to a first software module of the sending device (4), which temporarily stores the object. Preferably, when a user sends a text message (60) via the sending device (4), the following operations are performed: - The first software module transmits to the central unit (8) both the data structure (20) and the encrypted computer object Y previously received. - The software in the central unit (8) preferably decrypts the encrypted computer object Y before processing the data structure (20) and thus extracts the computer object X which contains the user ID identification code. - The software in the central unit (8) starts to process the data structure (20) and also has the user ID identification code available.

[0104] It is understood that, advantageously, in this case, the data structure (20) does not include an identification field of the sender (22). Advantageously, in this way, only the central unit (8) knows, possesses, extracts and verifies the ID identification code of the communication user, which avoids the first software module of the sending device (4) finding out and sending ("in the clear", i.e. without encryption) the code of the sending user to the central unit (8) with the risk of possible modification or alteration on the client side. Thus, for each data structure (20) and therefore for each message sent, the central unit (8) is able to extract in a reliable way - and without any possibility / risk of modification - who the sending user of said message is, thus verifying the identity of this user and ensuring that the latter is registered in the messaging system (2).

[0105] Advantageously, as an additional security check (see FIG. 11), to prevent users from using graphic and / or audio elements (31) in messages sent within the messaging system (2) that are not correctly or validly authenticated / authorized, the software loaded and executed in the central unit (8) is configured to: - extracting the unique identification code (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31) from the data structure (20) (transmitted to said unit (8) from the transmitting device (4)); Validate whether the user who sent the data structure (20) - whose ID identification code was preferably retrieved during the validation phase described above - is authorized / authorized to use / insert in the message being sent the graphic and / or audio elements (31) associated with the previously extracted unique identification code (30). In particular, for this purpose, the database (12) is queried to ascertain whether there is any relationship (18) associating the identification code of the user who transmitted the data structure (20) using the transmitting device (4) (and whose data results from the user data set (14)) with the unique identification code (30) extracted from the data structure (20) (and whose data results from the element data set (16)); more particularly, for example, a first query may be performed to ascertain whether there is a first type of relationship (18) (i.e. whether the user is the one who created / loaded the graphic and / or audio element in the messaging system (2)), and only in case of a negative result of this first query, a second query is performed to ascertain whether there is a second type of relationship (18) (i.e. whether the user is authorized / authorized to use the graphic and / or audio element in the messaging system (2), for example after purchase). - if the result of the verification is positive, then the processing of the request sent by the sending device is continued in order to return a structured data packet (40) in a format suitable for data exchange; whereas, on the other hand, if the result of the verification is negative, the processing of the request sent by the sending device (4) is interrupted / blocked and, where appropriate, a corresponding notification can be automatically sent to the latter.

[0106] In particular, as mentioned, the software is configured to process requests sent by the sending device and, accordingly, return structured data packets (40) in a format suitable for data exchange. Preferably, the data packets (40) are in "json" format, but may be in other formats such as, for example, "yaml" or "xml".

[0107] In particular, the data packet (40) contains a series of fields (42), where the field values ​​(38) of the data structure (20) transmitted by the transmitting device (4) are appropriately assigned to the series of fields (42) and / or values ​​for the series of fields (42) are obtained automatically from the software. Preferably, the data packet (40) contains the data of a message (60) created by the sender and necessary to correctly transmit this message to the receiver and to enable the latter to display the message (60) on his device.

[0108] In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the structured data package (40) includes the following fields: - An ID (42) field. This field uniquely identifies the data packet (40) (i.e., the "fieldIDmessage") and is implemented by the software automatically assigning a random or predefined number or alphanumeric code. - A sender field (44) (i.e. "fieldMessageFrom"), which is assigned the value of the sender field (22) of the data structure (20) or, preferably, the value of the corresponding sender user's ID identification code obtained from the central unit (8) starting from the encrypted computer object Y, preferably provided in the authentication procedure described above and depicted in FIG. 12. - A recipient field (46) (i.e., "fieldMessageTo"), to which the value of the recipient field (24) of the data structure (20) is assigned. - Field (48) - A field relating to the body of the message (i.e. "fieldMessageBody"), which contains the value (38) of the message text field (26) of the data structure (20) and preferably also a label (49) for this field; advantageously, the message body field (48) also contains both the label (49) and the corresponding values ​​(38) of the avatar identification field (34) and the balloon identification field (32) of the data structure (20).

[0109] Essentially, the structured data package (40) contains a body field message (48), which contains both the labels (49) (i.e., metadata) for the message text field (26), avatar identifier (34) and balloon identifier (32) of the data structure (20), and the corresponding values ​​(38) (i.e., data) assigned to these fields within the structure itself.

[0110] Advantageously, the structured data packet (40) also includes a field to which is assigned a corresponding date and / or time value when the message (60) was sent by the sending device (6) and / or when the data structure (20) was received by the central unit (8).

[0111] The first software module loaded and executed in the receiving device (6) is configured to download structured data packages (40) from the central unit (8), which are prepared by said unit for said device. Preferably, the download of the structured data packets (40) from the central unit (8) to the receiving device (6) or the transmission of the structured data packets (40) from the central unit (8) to the receiving device (6) is in any case preferably, but not necessarily, performed using the REST (REpresentational State Transfer) architecture over the HTTPS protocol.

[0112] Advantageously, the first software module loaded and executed in the receiving device (6) may be configured to periodically access the central unit (8) at a defined frequency - thus following a client-server conversational mode called "polling" - in order to purposefully query the possible presence / availability of one or more structured data packets (40) (i.e. messages) and, if present / available, to download said structured data packets (40) from the central unit (8).

[0113] Preferably, as represented in Fig. 1, the system (2) according to the invention also includes a notification platform (50), for example Google Cloud Messaging or Apple Push Notification Service, which acts as a mediator between the devices (4), (6) and the central unit (8) and which is configured to asynchronously notify said devices when the central unit provides new data, according to a scheme called "push notification". In particular, for this purpose, the software is also configured to send a notification (52) to the notification platform (50) after processing and preparing a structured data packet (40) based on the data structure (20) sent by the sending device (4), which is then forwarded to the corresponding receiving device (6). Preferably, the notification (52) sent by the central unit (8) to the notifying platform (50) includes an identification code of the central unit (8) sending the notification, an identification code of the receiving device (6) to which the notification should be sent, and the content of this notification 52. Preferably, the content of the notification sent to the receiving device includes at least a field (42) that uniquely identifies the structured data packet (40), so that a receiving device (6) receiving this notification (52) can query the central unit (8) to download the structured data packet (40) identified by this code.

[0114] It is also understood that in an embodiment not shown here, the notification (52) sent by the central unit (8) to the notification platform (50) and from there to the receiving device (6) includes the entire structured data packet (40). In other words, the central unit (8) immediately sends the entire structured data packet (40) via the platform (50) to the receiving device (6), which is then downloaded locally from the device itself without the need to directly query the central unit (8).

[0115] Preferably, the first software module loaded in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) is configured to have a first active state in which a bidirectional connection is established and maintained with the central unit (8) and a second stationary state in which the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) are not connected to the central unit (8). Advantageously, the first software module also ensures that when it is in said first active state, the receiving device (6) queries the central unit (8) only when it receives a notification (52), and not periodically (i.e. by a "polling" mode), preferably through the notification platform (50) and by a mode called "push notification". Advantageously, when new data is available in the central unit (8) directed to a particular receiving device (6) for which the first software module is in an active state, the software is configured to send a notification (52) to said receiving device (6) for it to query the central unit (8).

[0116] Advantageously, when new data is available in the central unit (8) directed to a particular receiving device (6) in which the first software module is in a resting state, the software is also configured to send - preferably through a notification platform (50) and by a mode called "push notification" - a notification (52) to said receiving device (6) for it to move to a first active state.

[0117] Essentially, by doing so, the central unit (8) is only interrogated when there is new data to download, thus avoiding regular and unnecessary interrogations of it; this is particularly advantageous in that it makes it possible to reduce data traffic and in particular to avoid unnecessarily consuming data transmission bandwidth.

[0118] Advantageously, the transmitting device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) are: - a first local memory (90) for downloading and storing therein the identification codes (30) of all the graphic and / or audio elements (31) associated (by relationship (18)) with the identification codes of users logged into the messaging system (2) using said sender (4) and / or recipient (6) devices; - a second local memory (91) for downloading and storing all the graphic and / or audio elements (31) corresponding to the identification codes (30) downloaded and stored in the first memory.

[0119] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31 Y ) is downloaded and stored in a second local memory (91) and has the dimensions and / or detail level of (D2). In particular, the miniaturized image (thumbnail) 31 Y is downloaded and stored in a second local memory (91) with a resolution (R2).

[0120] Preferably, the first and second local memories are mass memories, or both main memories or RAM memories. Preferably, the second local memory (91) is of the cache type.

[0121] In particular, as represented by the flow chart of FIG. 13, the first software module loaded and executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), and the software loaded in the central unit (8) are also configured as follows: - A first software module of the sending device (4) transmits to the central unit (8) the data that a user enters (username and password) when logging in to the messaging system (2) while acting on his own device (4) and / or device (6). - the software in the central unit (8) verifies the login data thus received (i.e. it verifies - preferably by querying the user data set (14) - whether they correspond to a user who is both already registered in the messaging system), extracts the corresponding user's ID identification code and, using the code thus extracted, identifies the unique identification codes (30') of all graphic and / or audio elements (31') which are linked by the relationship (18) to this user's ID identification code. - a first software module of device (4) and / or device (6) downloads into a first local memory (90) of device 4 and / or device 6 the unique identification codes (30') of all graphic and / or audio elements (31') thus identified. - A first software module of the sending device (4) downloads the thus identified graphic and / or audio elements (31') to a second local memory (91) of the device (4) and / or the device (6).

[0122] Preferably, once the first software module (APP) has been downloaded and installed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), these operations are executed upon first use of the messaging system (2). Advantageously, in this way, a preliminary synchronization of the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) is performed.

[0123] Advantageously, the first software module of the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) is configured to display on its own display a typing / insertion keyboard (77) - for composing the message to be sent - and the unique identification code 30' has access only to, and thus displays on, said display those graphic and / or audio elements (31') stored / present in the first memory of the device itself.

[0124] Preferably, the first software module executed in the sending device (4) is configured to perform the following operations: - retrieving the list of unique identification codes (30') present in a first local memory (90) of the sending device (4). - These codes (30') are used to retrieve the corresponding graphic and / or audio elements (31') from a second local memory (91) of the sending device (4). - displaying the thus retrieved graphic and / or audio elements (31') on the typing keyboard (77) of the sending device (4).

[0125] Advantageously, in the typing keyboard (77), graphic and / or audio elements (31) having a size and / or a degree of detail (D2) are Y ) are displayed, in particular the miniaturized images (thumbnails) (31) displayed on the typing keyboard (77). Y ) is displayed at resolution (R2).

[0126] A first software module loaded and executed in the receiving device (6) is also configured to process the structured data packet (40) downloaded from the central unit (8) in order to extract / decode the content of the fields (42, 44, 46, and 48) of that package.

[0127] In particular, this software module is configured to perform a parsing operation on the contents of the message body field (48) of the structured data packet (40) to obtain values ​​(38) of the message text field (26), the balloon identifier (32) and / or the avatar identifier (34).

[0128] More specifically, the first software module is configured for: - Search - A search is carried out directly within the message body field (48) of the structured data packet (40) and / or within the value (38) of the text field (26) in order to identify the unique code (30) of the graphic element, once the latter has been identified by its label (49) - a previously coded label / character / symbol (28) - within the body field of the message (48). - check whether the graphic element (31) identified by the extracted unique code (30) is already present in the local memory of the receiving device (6); preferably for this purpose it searches for the unique identification code (30') present in the first local memory (90) of the receiving device (6) and, if it is not already present in the local memory of the receiving device (6), sends a request to the control unit (8) to download into the local memory of the receiving device (6) - preferably into the second local memory (91) of the receiving device (6) - the graphic element (31'') identified by the unique code (30) identified in the structured data package (40) and not present in the first local memory (90).

[0129] Advantageously, in a second local memory of the receiving device (6), preferably in a second local memory (91) of the receiving device (6), the graphic and / or audio elements (31 Y In particular, the image (31) is downsized (thumbnail) with a resolution (R2) and stored in a second local memory (91 Y '') and are stored in

[0130] In the typing keyboard (77), advantageously graphic and / or audio elements (31 Y ) are displayed with a dimension and / or a degree of detail (D2). In particular, the typing keyboard (77) displays a miniaturized image (thumbnail) (31 Y ) is displayed.

[0131] Advantageously, the graphic and / or audio elements (31) are therefore also stored in a second local memory (91) of the receiving device (6Y'') with dimensions and / or grade of detail (D2) and downloaded upon receipt of the appropriate structured data packet (40) in order to always correctly display all graphic and / or audio elements contained in the received message.

[0132] Thus, more specifically, in the second local memory (91) of any device (4) and / or device (6), the following are stored / maintained: - a first set of graphic and / or audio elements (31') having a unique code (30') stored / present in a first local memory (90); in particular, these are graphic and / or audio elements (31') that are associated in the central database (12) with a particular user by a relationship (18), said association being in view of the fact that this user has created them / loaded them into the messaging system or because he has been authenticated / authorized to use them (e.g. through a direct or indirect purchase). - a second set of graphic and / or audio elements (31'') which, differently, have no unique code stored / existing in the first local memory (90); in particular, these second graphic and / or audio elements (31'') are downloaded from the central unit (8) upon receipt of the appropriate structured data packet (40) in order to correctly display all the graphic and / or audio elements contained in the received message.

[0133] Advantageously, graphic and / or audio elements (31 Y ) a first set of graphic and / or audio elements (31 Y In particular, both the first and second sets of images are miniaturized (thumbnails) (31 '') with a resolution (R2). Y )

[0134] Advantageously, as mentioned, the first software module of the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) device is configured to display on the device's own display a typing / insertion keyboard (77) - and for composing the message to be sent - said keyboard (77) having access only to the graphic and / or audio elements (31') present in the device's second local memory (91) and therefore displaying on said display.

[0135] This is particularly advantageous because it enables the messaging system to use only those graphic and / or audio elements in outgoing messages that a user has created or has been authorized / authorized to use (e.g., after purchase), while at the same time always correctly displaying all graphic and / or audio elements present in received messages.

[0136] Advantageously, and more particularly, the request - sent by the receiving device (6) to the central unit (8) to download a graphic and / or audio element for which there is no identification code (30) in the first local memory (90) of the device itself - contains a unique code (30) of this graphic and / or audio element, which code (30) is then used by a software module of the central unit (8) to query the database (12) and to extract from the element data set (16) the data of the graphic element uniquely identified by this code (30). The data of the graphic element thus identified, and in particular the graphic and / or audio element (31) having the dimensions and / or grade of detail (D2) and associated with the identification code (30), is then retrieved. Y ) is sent from the central unit (8) to the request device.

[0137] Advantageously, for this purpose, a first software module of the requesting device sends a request to the central unit (8) and thus stores in a local memory of the requesting device, and in particular in a second local memory (91), a graphic element (31) having a dimension and / or a grade of detail (D2) identified by a unique code (30) in the message body field (48) of the structured data packet (40). Y '') (and in particular images having resolution (R2)). Preferably, requests to the control unit panel (8) are sent using the POST method of the HTTPS protocol or are implemented using the GraphQL language of the MQTT protocol in WebSocket technology.

[0138] Preferably, the graphic element (31 Y An emoji'') may be an image (33) having a resolution (R2) that is inserted within or among any text (39) within a balloon (frame) (37) of a message (60) to preferably, but not necessarily, represent at least a concept, idea, object, mood, or emotion in a stylized manner, substantially corresponding to an emoji®.

[0139] Advantageously, a first software module loaded and / or executed on the recipient device (6) is adapted to generate graphic and / or audio elements (31) of dimensions and / or grades of detail (D2). Y Preferably, the device is configured to display a graphic and / or audio element (31 '') of the size and / or grade of the detail (D2) inside the balloon (37) of the received message (60) either alone (if there is no text) or together with or between the text (39) of the message itself. Y '' ) appears inline in the text of the message itself (39).

[0140] In particular, preferably, a first software module loaded and / or executed on the recipient's device (6) implements, on the display of said device, a first screen (80) on which the exchange of messages is displayed and displays, inside one or more balloons (37) of said messages, a graphic element (31). Y '') is indicated by the dimensions and / or grades of the detail (D2).

[0141] Preferably, a first software module loaded and / or executed on the recipient device (6) is configured such that the screen (80) on which the exchange of messages is displayed is defined by a first computer object VIEW configured to occupy the entire display of the receiving device.

[0142] Advantageously, a first software module loaded and / or executed on the recipient's device (6) displays, within a first screen (80) for displaying the message exchange (60), a graphic element (31) represented within a balloon (37) of the message (60). Y '') is configured to occupy a display area (81) that is selectable by touch (82) (with a finger and / or with a device, e.g., a stylus), preferably by a short touch ("tap"), or by, e.g., clicking with a pointer (mouse), or through another externally initiated event (or action).

[0143] Preferably, the graphic element (31 Y The display area (81) occupied by the touch bar (102) is selectable by a user touch (82), which may have a predefined duration, e.g., one second, or may be an extended touch or even a dynamic touch (e.g., drag, pinch, rotate, swipe, pinch-unpinch).

[0144] Preferably, the first software module is configured to create a second VIEW computer object defined in the first VIEW computer object within the first screen (80) when the structured data package (40) includes pre-coded labels / characters / symbols (28) appropriately indicating the presence of a graphic element within the message. In particular, this second computer object VIEW is configured to occupy a specific position of the message displayed on the screen, within which the graphic element (31) is displayed. Y The second computer object VIEW is configured to occupy a display area (81) corresponding to or slightly larger than the dimensions of said elements of resolution (R2) and / or resolution (R3), in particular the dimensions and / or grades of detail (D2). More specifically, the second computer object VIEW has within it a graphic element (31) of resolution (R3). Y ''), and the graphic element (31 Y '') is thus visualized / implemented within the display area (81) occupied by said second computer object.

[0145] Preferably, the first software module generates a graphic element (31) of resolution (R2). Y A subsequent touch (82) or click, or other externally initiated event (action), performed on the display area (81) occupied by the touch panel (82) is configured to trigger a corresponding action (84).

[0146] Advantageously, this action (84) is performed by recreating said graphic element (31) at resolution (R2). Y '' ) to initiate playback of the audio or video element associated with the

[0147] Advantageously, this action (84) results in the automatic creation and display of a second screen (85) on the device's own display.

[0148] Advantageously, this action (84) results in the automatic display of a second (further) screen (85) on the display of the device itself, in which the graphic element (31 Y ''') is the element (31 Y '' ) content, and has a resolution (R3) greater than (R2).

[0149] Preferably, in this second (further) screen (85), the graphic element (31 Y ''') is implemented / displayed at a resolution (R3) which is higher than resolution (R2) and which may preferably be equal to or lower than resolution (R1). Preferably, resolution (R3) is higher than resolution (R2) but slightly lower than resolution (R1).

[0150] Preferably, the first software module loaded and / or executed on the recipient device (6) includes a graphic element (31 Y a second (further) screen (85) on which the graphic elements (31) are displayed at a higher resolution (R3) than (R2) is arranged in such a way as to be defined by a third computer object VIEW, said third computer object VIEW occupying the whole or a large part of the display of the receiving device (6) and displaying said graphic elements (31) at a higher resolution than (R2); Y ''').

[0151] Advantageously, in this second (further) screen (85), the graphic element (31Y''') is displayed at a maximum at a resolution (R3) which corresponds to the aforementioned resolution (R1) and preferably at a maximum having a horizontal or vertical dimension which corresponds to the resolution in which the original / initial image was loaded into the messaging system (2) by the author of the image itself or by another person.

[0152] Preferably, in this second (further) screen (85), the graphic element (31 Y''') is a graphic element (31 Y '' ) and also together with other information about said graphical element, such as, for example, the author's data, the number of purchases of this element, etc.

[0153] Preferably, within this second (further) screen (85), the graphic elements (31 Y In addition to the graphical elements ('''), indicators such as, for example, hypertext links (79) are also implemented, the activation of which by touch or click refers to a dedicated section where said graphical elements can be purchased and / or downloaded, if that is the case.

[0154] Advantageously, the first software module loaded and / or executed on a particular device, preferably a receiving device (6), includes details (D X The first software module is configured to request from a central unit (8) the creation of a graphic and / or audio element having a resolution (R) suitable for the display of the device (6) and, once this graphic and / or audio element has been created, to download it locally into the device for implementation. Preferably, the first software module loaded and / or executed on the device, preferably on the recipient device (6), is configured to download the graphic and / or audio element having a resolution (R) suitable for the display of the device (6). X ) from a central unit (8) and, once this graphical element has been created, is configured to download it locally into said device for showing on its display.

[0155] Advantageously, for this purpose, a first software module executed by the sender device (4) and / or the recipient device (6) devices, and the software loaded and executed in the central unit (8), is configured to implement the following steps: - The sender device (4) and / or the recipient device (6) device sends to the central unit via the first software module a request (query) (86) which also contains data (87) of the dimensions / resolution of the display of said device (6) on which the first software module is executed. - the central unit software starts from a graphic and / or audio element of a dimension and / or class of detail (D1) and, based on data (87) on the dimensionality / resolution of said display, selects a detail (D1) whose dimension and / or class is less than (D1). X ) of a size and / or class and corresponding graphic and / or audio elements (31) adapted in particular to the size / resolution of said display. X ) -Details created in this way by the software of the central unit (8) X ) dimensions and / or grades of graphic and / or audio elements (31 X ) are downloaded to the sending device (4) and / or receiving device (6) for local implementation.

[0156] Preferably, the first software module includes a first screen (80) for displaying the message exchange and defining an area (81) selectable by touch (82) or click, and for implementing graphical and / or audio elements (31). Y In particular, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the detail (D X ) graphic and / or audio elements having dimensions and / or grades (31 X) is a graphic and / or audio element (31) having a size and / or a grade of detail (D2) (preferably resolution (R2)) to be displayed / implemented within a selectable area (81) provided on a first screen (80). Y Preferably, it corresponds to the detail (D X ) graphic and / or audio elements having dimensions and / or grades (31 X ) is loaded into a second computer object, VIEW, and inserted inside the balloon (37), inline with the text (39) of the message (60).

[0157] Suitably, the first software module controls the display of a second (or further) screen (85) which opens on the display following a touch or click made on a selectable area (82) of the first screen (80) for displaying the message exchange. Y In particular, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the detail (D X ) graphic and / or audio elements having dimensions and / or grades (31 X ) displays graphic and / or audio elements (31) having a size and / or degree of detail (D3) (preferably resolution (R3)) that are displayed / implemented in a second (further) screen (85). Y Basically, in this case, the details (D X ) graphic and / or audio elements having dimensions and / or grades (31 X ) is implemented (represented) in a second (further) screen (85).

[0158] Correspondingly, the software of the central unit (8) is configured to correspondingly create an avatar image (35) and / or define the dimensions of the balloon (37) based on data (87) relating to the dimensions and / or resolution of the display of the device (6) which sent the request (86) by the first software module, and thus preferably the avatar image (35) and / or the balloon (37) thus created are downloaded from the device in which they are implemented and correspondingly used in the first screen (80) for displaying the exchange of messages.

[0159] Advantageously, the computer object "VIEW" is meant to denote a container, within which a particular layout is supported and which defines the basic elements for the construction of a graphical interface.

[0160] Correspondingly, the first software module is configured to request from the central unit (8) and download an avatar image (35) and / or balloon type (37) corresponding to the avatar identifier (34) and / or balloon ID (32) included in the message body field (48) of the structured data package (40) downloaded from the central unit (8), if they are not already present in the local memory of the receiving device.

[0161] Advantageously, as described above, the avatar identification code (34) and / or the balloon identification code (32) may be managed by specific fields of the data structure (20) or they may be inserted directly into the text field (26) of said data structure, appropriately placed between pre-coded labels / characters / symbols (28). Advantageously, passing in the text field (26) of the data structure (20) various values ​​of the avatar ID (34) and also various values ​​of the balloon ID (32), in addition to the value of the image (33) to be displayed together with the text (39) inside the balloon, may use various pre-coded labels / characters / symbols (28), such as "&#", "&%" and "&^".

[0162] Based on the content of the fields of the structured data package (40) and using the images (33), avatar images (35) and / or balloon images (37) to be inserted together with the text inside the balloon - either already present in the local memory of the receiving device (6) or which have been suitably downloaded by the latter by querying the central unit (8) - the first software module is configured to suitably compose and display on the screen (62) of the display of the recipient device (6) a message (60) with corresponding graphical elements such as the images (33) to be inserted in the balloon, the avatar images (35) and / or the balloon images (37).

[0163] In particular, as shown in Figure 9, on the display screen of the receiving device (6), the image (33) is displayed within a particular balloon (37) selected by the sending user along with the text (39) of the message (60). Additionally, on the display screen (62) of the recipient device (6), the balloon (37) is positioned in close proximity to and / or graphically connected to the image of the avatar (35) used by the sending user in the conversation.

[0164] It will also be appreciated that the system (2) described above may provide control / personalization / selection of only the images (33) to be inserted with the text (39) of the message (60), or also only the avatar images (35) or balloons (37).

[0165] It is also contemplated that messages (60) managed by the messaging system (2) may present only text (39), or only graphic and / or audio elements (31) (in the form of images that may be inserted by themselves inside a balloon, an empty balloon, or an avatar image without a balloon), or, preferably, any suitable combination of text (39) and said graphic and / or audio elements (31).

[0166] The operation of the messaging system described above provides a series of phases, which are listed and described below.

[0167] Advantageously, in order to use the messaging system, a user must first download and install a first software module on device (4) and / or device (6).

[0168] Preferably, the user must execute a first software module on the device and log in, thereby initiating a synchronization phase of the device and thus downloading locally (preferably to the first local memory (90) and the second local memory (91) respectively) a unique identification code (30') associated with the unique identification of the logged in user and graphic and / or audio elements (31') uniquely identified to said code (30').

[0169] Advantageously, logging into the messaging system (2) also triggers a control and authentication procedure, as described above and preferably depicted in the flow chart of FIG.

[0170] Preliminarily, by acting on the input means of the graphic interface of the sending device, the user defines the text (39) of the message (60), selects / adopts the avatar (35) to be used in said message (see FIG. 5) and / or selects / adopts the balloon (37) to be used in said message (see FIG. 8), as well as selecting / adopting the image / symbol (33) to be included in said message.

[0171] Based on what is defined and entered by the user, a first software module of the sending device (4) generates a data structure (20), assigns corresponding values ​​(38) to the latter fields (22, 24, 26, 32, 34 and 36) accordingly, and transmits a request including the thus created data structure to the software of the central unit (8).

[0172] Preferably, the software processes requests sent by the sending device (4) and prepares structured data packets (20) in a suitable format for data exchange.

[0173] Furthermore, based on the recipient identification code (24), the central unit (8) prepares and sends a corresponding notification (52) to the notification platform (50) to which the receiving device (6) belongs.

[0174] Advantageously, in case of multiple recipients, for each recipient identification code (24), the central unit (8) sends a corresponding notification (52) to the notification platform (50) to which each of the receiving devices (6) belongs.

[0175] The content of the notification (52) is then transmitted from the notification platform (50) to the receiving device (6), which then uses the content of the notification to directly query the central unit (8) and download the corresponding structured data package (40) prepared by the software and intended for the scope.

[0176] In the absence of, or in addition to, notifications (52) sent by the notification platform (50), the first software module may periodically access the central unit (8) to query for the possible presence / availability of one or more structured data packets (40) (i.e. messages) intended for itself and to download, if any, said structured data packets from the central unit (8).

[0177] Thereafter, as soon as the receiving device (6) downloads the structured data packet (40), a first software module loaded and executed in said device process processes the latter and analyzes it in order to extract / decode the contents of the fields of this packet (40). In particular, the value of the message text field (26) and the values ​​of the balloon identifier (32) and / or avatar identifier (34) fields are extracted from the message body field (48) of the structured data packet (40).

[0178] More specifically, by searching for pre-coded labels / characters / symbols (28) within the text field (26), unique codes (30) of graphic and / or audio elements (31) are identified and, if they are not already in the local memory of the recipient device (6), the first software module sends a request to the central unit (8) which, after consulting its corresponding database (12), extracts the corresponding graphic and / or audio elements (31) and transmits them to the receiving device (6), after which said graphic and / or audio elements (31) are stored in the local memory of the recipient device (6) so as to be easily available locally for further and possible subsequent use.

[0179] Advantageously, if the unique code (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31) is already present in the local memory of the recipient device (6), the first software module does not send a request to the central unit (8).

[0180] Correspondingly, the avatar identifier (32) and / or balloon identifier (34) are extracted from the field message body (48) of the structured data packet (40) and / or by searching for a suitable pre-coded label / character / symbol (28) in the text field (26) of the data structure (20), and if they are not already in the local memory of the receiving device (6), the first software module sends a request to the central unit (8) to query the corresponding database (12), after which the corresponding avatar image (35) and / or balloon (37) are extracted and sent to the receiving device.

[0181] Finally, based on the content of the fields of the structured data package (40) and using the images (33), avatar images (35) and / or balloon images (37) to be inserted together with the text inside the balloon - which are either already in the local memory of the receiving device (6) or are downloaded to the latter by appropriately querying the central unit (8) - the first software module appropriately composes and displays on the screen (62) of the display of the recipient device (6) a message (60) with the corresponding graphic elements, such as the images (33) to be inserted in the balloon, the avatar images (35) and / or balloon images (37) (see Figure 9).

[0182] Preferably, the messaging system (2) is instantaneous and asynchronous, and conveniently it can be used between portable devices such as smart phones and tablets, and via computers accessing an appropriate portal / website (see Figure 10).

[0183] Preferably, the messaging system (2) is a network communication system, preferably via the Internet and / or in a local network. Preferably, the messaging system (2) is of the instant type and based on the Internet. Preferably, the messaging system (2) is of the type that does not use the GSM network and does not require / use a cellular network.

[0184] Preferably, the sending device (4) and the receiving device (6) are configured with an internet connection.

[0185] Preferably, the first software module of the sending device (4) and the receiving device (6) is a dedicated software that is preferably downloaded from a network via the internet.

[0186] Advantageously, the messaging system (2) is configured to send the same text message (60) from a sending device to multiple devices receiving the same chat, in particular, it is of a type that allows creating chats with more than two sending devices and / or more than two receiving devices.

[0187] Advantageously, the messaging system (2) can manage text messages without character limits (such as the 160 character limit per message that comes with SMS) or size limits (such as the 300 or 600 kB limits foreseen for MMS).

[0188] Advantageously, according to the invention, by acting on the device (4) or (6), the author of a particular graphic element loads said graphic element (31) having a resolution R into the central unit (8) and, advantageously, within said central unit (8) such a graphic element is stored with a resolution (R1); advantageously, in the central unit (8) the corresponding graphic element (31 Y) is created and saved with the same content but with a lower resolution (R2) than (R1).

[0189] Advantageously, when a user of the messaging system requests a local download of a graphic element (31) - either after purchase or free of charge - the central unit (8) determines the resolution (R X )(Detail(D X ) of the size and / or class of graphic elements (31 X ) and create a graphic element (31 X ) is correspondingly preferably defined based on data (87) relating to the dimensions and / or resolution of the display of the device which made the request (86) for local download.

[0190] Conveniently, the resolution (R X ) - preferably of resolution (R2) - is implemented on a first screen (80) for displaying the message exchange, as soon as the graphic elements are displayed, selected and inserted into the message inside a typing keyboard (77) implemented on the display of the sending user's device.

[0191] Advantageously, within said screen, graphic elements (31 Y ), and / or resolution (R X ) Graphic elements (31 X ) is displayed inside the message (60), preferably inline with any text (39) of said message.

[0192] Advantageously, the sending user acting on a first screen (80) - implemented on the display of said first device (4) managed by the sending user - for displaying the message exchange may click or touch (preferably by a "tap" touch (82)) an area (81) of the display, said area (81) being displayed in a message (60) by a graphical element (31) of resolution (R2).Y ) and, in so doing, results in the creation and display of a second (further) screen (85) - which is always implemented on the display of said first device managed by the sending user - in which the same first graphic element (31) clicked / touched in the display screen is displayed. Y ) is displayed with a resolution (R3).

[0193] Advantageously, if the resolution (R3) graphic element is not already present locally in the first device (4) of the sending user, it is enlarged and a graphic element (31) is created having a resolution suitable for (preferably corresponding to) the dimensions of the display of said first device. Y A first software module executed on said first device sends a request (which also includes data (87) relating to the dimensions and / or resolution of the display of said first device) to a remote unit (8) in order to create a graphic element of resolution (R3). Preferably, based on the data (87) relating to the dimensions and / or resolution of the display of said first device, the remote unit (8) then creates the graphic element of resolution (R3) downloaded from said first device and implements and displays it in said second (further) screen (85) implemented in the display of the first device (4) by said first software module.

[0194] Correspondingly, the recipient user acting on a first screen (80) for displaying the message exchange - implemented on the display of said second device (6) managed by the recipient user - may click or touch (preferably by "tapping" (82)) an area (81) of the display, said area (81) being displayed as a graphical element (31) of resolution (R2) in the message. Y'') and thereby results in the creation and display of a second (further) screen (85) - which is always implemented on the display of said second device (6) managed by the receiving user - in which the same first graphical element clicked / touched in the display screen (80) is displayed with resolution (R3).

[0195] Conveniently, the graphic elements (31 Y If the graphic element (31) is not already present locally in the second device of the receiving user, then the graphic element (31) will have a resolution suitable for (and preferably corresponding to) the dimensions of the display of said second device (6). Y In order to create a display of the second device (6), a first software module executed on the second device sends a request (86) (which also includes data (87) relating to the dimensions and / or resolution of the display of the second device (6)) to a remote unit (8). Preferably, based on the data (87) relating to the dimensions and / or resolution of the display of the second device (6), the remote unit (8) then creates the graphic elements of resolution (R3) downloaded from the second device and implements and displays it in the second (further) screen (85) implemented in the display of the second device (6) by the first software module.

[0196] Although the invention has been described with particular reference to graphic elements (images), it will be appreciated that the same structure and operation applies to audio or video elements.

[0197] Advantageously, according to the invention, an IT platform is also implemented in the central unit (8), which is configured to interface and communicate with the devices of users registered in the described messaging system (2) and to act as a marketplace where users, who are "users" of the messaging system, can locally download onto their own devices - after purchase (i.e. exchange for a fee or preferably a "fee" in virtual currency) or free of charge - one or more of the graphic and / or audio elements present in the messaging system.

[0198] Furthermore, said IT platform is configured such that users registered in the messaging system (2) as "authors" (or "artists") can create and display pages within the platform itself, said pages essentially acting as showcases, where the graphic and / or audio elements created by the authors are preferably collected and represented in collections. Advantageously, the pages displayed on the platform may have predefined deadlines, thus defining sales campaigns.

[0199] Correspondingly, the users of the messaging system (2) access the IT platform through their devices in order to view the showcase pages of the various "author" users. Once one or more graphic and / or audio elements have been selected, the "users" are permitted to use and manage these graphic and / or audio elements in exchange for a fee and / or free of charge. In particular, for this purpose, as already mentioned, a database (18) is created in the database layer (12), which associates the "users" identified in the data set (14) with the graphic and / or audio elements of the data set (16) adopted and acquired by them. Preferably, the "users" also download them locally to the device on which they are active and / or to other devices associated with them.

[0200] Advantageously, said IT platform comprises a section, e.g. a blog, in which users who are "authors" and users who are "users" of the messaging system can interact with each other. Advantageously, said IT platform comprises a section, in which users of the messaging system delegate to one or more "author" users the creation of desired graphic and / or audio elements.

[0201] Advantageously, these graphic elements downloadable and available from the platform may include images for insertion inside the balloon (corresponding to emoji type illustrations) and / or the balloon itself and / or images to be used as avatars. Advantageously, the graphic elements also include graphic representations (for example cockades, scarves, hats, etc.) that are added as accessories to the avatar image or also to the images that may be inserted inside the balloon.

[0202] Preferably, the IT platform is configured to transmit a first part of the fees paid by users for purchasing graphic and / or audio elements from the platform, preferably for purchasing graphic representations added as avatar image accessories, to the authors or creators of these graphic elements available within the platform, while another part of said reward is transmitted to the administrator of the entire IT platform. Preferably, the IT platform is configured to collect / aggregate together shares of the fees paid by users for the purchase of certain graphic and / or audio elements, which are intended for the operator of the platform itself, in order to later distribute them to a single entity, preferably an entity with a solidarity, social and / or humanitarian purpose.

[0203] Advantageously, on a second (further) screen (85), as shown in FIG. 22, graphic elements (31 Y ''') and any keywords associated with it and / or other graphic elements of the same collection. Y ''') may be displayed (preferably identified by a further and corresponding graphic element) as the group (91) to which it belongs.

[0204] Advantageously, within a second (further) screen (85), as represented in FIG. 23, a graphic element (31) of resolution (R3) is displayed. Y In addition to the graphic elements (31 YFurther content related to the content (31''') may be displayed. For example, links may be displayed to internet pages related to the content itself or to additional pages within the application, such as pages into which the creator of the content may have inserted his creation and / or personal information, or links to pages containing other collections of which the content is similar or part. Alternatively and / or in addition, there may be links to pages offering promotions and / or discounts and / or to pages which may be linked to the graphical elements (31''') displayed on said second (further) screen (85). Y ''')'s content may be a commercial offer for a product related and / or tied to the content.

[0205] Advantageously, the association of each graphic element (31) with further content or with links to further Internet pages, as well as the modification of the data associated with each graphic element (31) can be performed within the platform by means of specific screens. Advantageously, for example, as soon as a graphic element is selected, a pop-up window (92) opens for modifying the data relating to the selected graphic and / or audio content (31).

[0206] Advantageously, within the IT platform, the graphic and / or audio content (31) can be grouped into various taxonomies ("collections") by using specific keywords ("tags") which can be assigned to each graphic and / or audio content (31).

[0207] Also, the graphic and / or audio element having a dimension and / or degree of detail (D1) is in a first format, while the graphic and / or audio element (31 Y , 31 Y ''31 Y ''', 31 X) is detail (D2), (D3), and / or (D X It will be understood that the above also applies if, in particular, in the databases (12) and / or (47) of the central units (8), the graphic and / or audio elements (31) having the dimensions and / or the dimensions of the detail (D1) are in a first format, and furthermore, the software loaded and executed in the at least one central unit (8) loads, starting from the graphic and / or audio elements in the first format and loaded into the at least one database (12) and / or (47), the graphic and / or audio elements (31) having the dimensions and / or the dimensions of the detail (D2), (D3) and / or (D4) are in a second format different from the first format. X ) and in a second format different from said first format. Y , 31 Y '', 31 Y ''', 31 X )

[0208] The messaging system and method according to the present invention are significantly advantageous in that: - Allows users to successfully transmit customized graphics and / or audio elements to a messaging system. - Allows for the successful transmission and display of graphics and / or audio that are not necessarily present on the recipient's device at the time the message is sent. - Using a single central unit where all graphic and / or audio elements are uniquely identified, and implementing a first module software that, when a graphic and / or audio element is not present locally on the device, quickly downloads the corresponding graphic and / or audio element from the central unit (8), ensures that these elements are always correctly and completely implemented / displayed in the message and that they are implemented in the same way between sender and recipient. - the downloading locally on a particular device of the creation of graphic and / or audio elements only occurs the first time, and once downloaded, the elements themselves are stored in the local memory of the device from then on; in particular, this fact that the download does not occur constantly or continuously allows to speed up the loading of message data, to save / optimize data traffic for the device and to reduce the number of calls to the central unit, thus reducing both the computation and the bandwidth it occupies. - in particular by virtue of the structure of the database, it is possible for each user, in preparing a message to be sent, to make available messages having only those graphic and / or audio elements which are associated with him / her (and therefore for which he / she is authenticated / authorized, e.g. as an author and / or purchaser), and at the same time always to display any graphic and / or audio elements provided in the received message correctly, completely and unambiguously. - the structure of the database ensures that the user downloads all graphic and / or audio elements locally on each device only when registering this device in the messaging system, and the download / configuration / first use of this module within this device thus makes the synchronization of each device associated with a particular user particularly fast and simple. - Allows users to create graphic and / or audio elements that can be shared and made available to other users. - Allows users to use different avatar images and / or balloons for each message. - Allows the user to insert personalized / customizable balloon images (corresponding to emoji type illustrations), which can be personalized / customized both with and without the presence of text inside the balloon itself. - the avatars and / or image balloons, as well as the graphic and / or audio elements, are not sent together with the message, nor are they attached to it; in particular the fact of using unique identification codes inserted as text within a structured data package makes it possible to reduce the data traffic, and therefore the network bandwidth, used for the exchange of messages. - Graphic and / or audio elements are displayed in a manner optimized and adapted to the display of the sender's and / or recipient's device. - A graphic element inserted and displayed in a message can be viewed in an enlarged and optimized state by simply touching the display area occupied by this graphic element, making it convenient to grasp and appreciate the creative details of the element itself from the enlarged version of the graphic element.

Claims

1. An improved messaging system (2), comprising: At least one central unit (8); at least one sending device (4) and at least one receiving device (6) configured to send and / or receive text messages (60) by said at least one central unit (8); Including, said at least one central unit is configured to communicate with said at least one transmitting device (4) and at least one receiving device (6); The at least one central unit (8) includes or is associated with at least one database (12, 47) containing data relating to all graphic and / or audio elements (31) that can be managed by the messaging system (2), the graphic and / or audio elements (31) being stored in detail (D １ ) loaded into said at least one database (12, 47) with sizes and / or grades of In said at least one central unit (8), software is loaded and executed, said software being loaded inside said at least one database (12, 47), １ ) with substantially the same content, but starting with a graphic element and / or audio element having a dimension and / or a grade of (D １ ) lower, detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ At least one corresponding graphic and / or audio element (31) having a size and / or a grade of Ｙ , 31 Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｙ’’’ , 31 Ｘ ) In the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), a first software module is loaded and executed, which receives from a central unit (8) １ ) lower, detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ said at least one corresponding graphic and / or audio element (31) having a size and / or a grade of Ｙ , 31 Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｙ’’’ , 31 Ｘ ) and configured to implement and / or use the downloaded elements, moreover, The first software module, loaded and / or executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), is configured to implement a first screen (80) on a display of the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), in which at least one message (60) and / or an exchange of messages (60) is displayed, and １ ) Lower detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ At least one graphic and / or audio element (31) of a size and / or class of Ｙ’’ ) is also implemented / displayed, said at least one message (60) comprising text and / or at least one graphic element that is presented on the display screen inside a balloon / frame (37), Detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ At least one graphic and / or audio element (31) of a size and / or class of Ｙ’’ occupies a selectable area (81) of the first screen (80) of the display that is selectable by touch (82) if the display is of the touch screen type, or by clicking, or through another external activation event, when the at least one message (60) and / or exchange of messages (60) is implemented / displayed within the first screen (80) of the display, The first software module loaded and / or executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) includes: ２ said graphic and / or audio elements (31) having dimensions and / or grades of Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｘ a touch (82) or click made on the selectable area (81) of the first screen (80) occupied by a user (10) is configured to initiate a corresponding action (84); The action (84) provides for automatically creating and displaying a second screen (85) on the same display of the sending device (4) and / or receiving device (6) on which the first screen (80) is implemented; The first software module, loaded and / or executed on the sending device (4) and / or on the receiving device (6), controls the display of the graphic and / or audio elements (31) on the first screen (80) displaying the exchange of messages. Ｙ’’ ) are configured to be implemented inside a balloon / frame (37) containing one said message (60), and said graphic and / or audio elements (31 Ｙ’’ ) is (D １ ) Lower detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ ) size and / or size of the display, occupying an area of ​​the display that is selectable by touching or clicking on the touch screen display (82) or by another external activation event; in said second screen (85), the same graphic and / or audio elements (31Y'', 31X) occupying said selectable area (81) are implemented with a dimension and / or magnitude (D3) greater than (D2); said software loaded and / or executed in said central unit (8) is configured to, starting from a graphic and / or audio element (31) already loaded in said at least one database (12, 47) and having a high size and / or degree of detail equal to (D 1 ), create a corresponding graphic and / or audio element (31 x ) having the same content but with a dimension and / or degree of detail (D x ), where (D x ) is less than (D 1 ) and is correspondingly and dynamically defined based on the dimension and / or degree of detail of the display of said sending device (4) and / or receiving device (6), which sending device (4) and / or receiving device (6) request it from said central unit (8) through said first software module, The software loaded and / or executed on the central unit (8) is configured to define relationships (18) that associate users with corresponding graphic and / or audio elements (31), and relationships (18) that associate graphic and / or audio elements (31) with corresponding users, in a messaging system (2).

2. A messaging system (2) according to claim 1, characterised in that it is based on the Internet.

3. The graphic and / or audio elements (31) define a first format, １ ) loaded into said at least one database (12, 47) with sizes and / or grades of In said at least one central unit (8), software is loaded and executed, said software starting from said graphic and / or audio element of the first format, generating at least one corresponding graphic and / or audio element (31 Ｙ , 31 Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｙ’’’ , 31 Ｘ ), and said at least one corresponding graphic and / or audio element (31 Ｙ , 31 Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｙ’’’ , 31 Ｘ ) is the detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ 3. The messaging system (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first format is different from the second format and has a size and / or class of 100 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm.

4. a first software module sending a request for authorization / license to the central unit (8) for the use of a particular graphic and / or audio element (31); and A messaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, upon acceptance of a request, software loaded and executed in the central unit (8) defines a relationship (18) between the unique identifier of the user who sent the request to the central unit (8) and the unambiguous identification code (30) of the graphic and / or audio element (31) for which the request has been made.

5. The first software module loaded and / or executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) further comprises: obtaining from said central unit (8) an enriched structured data packet (40) starting from a data structure (20) generated on the basis of a message (60) to be transmitted, and identifying within said structured data packet (40) a unique identification code (23, 30, 32, 34) of said at least one graphic and / or audio element (31, 33, 35, 37), If the graphic and / or audio elements associated with the unique code (23, 30, 32, 34) identified in the structured data packet (40) are not already present in the local memory of the device on which the first software module is running, it requests from a central unit (8) such graphic and / or audio elements (31, 33, 35, 37) associated with the identified unique code (23, 30, 32, 34) and downloads them locally to the sending device (4) and / or receiving device (6), the locally downloaded graphic and / or audio elements (31, 33, 35, 37) being created by the software of the central unit (8) and (D １ ) Lower detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), or (D ｘ ) corresponding to said graphic and / or audio elements (31, 33, 35, 37) having a size and / or a rating of Based on the content of the structured data packet (40) and of the graphic and / or audio elements associated with the unique code, thus identified code (23, 30, 32, 34), a message to be sent is shown on the display of the device (6) on which the first software module is running, the message to be sent also being created by the software of the central unit (8) and (D １ ) Lower detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ A messaging system (2) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is configured to perform operations to implement said graphic and / or audio elements (31, 33, 35, 37) having a size and / or a grade of 1:1 or 1:

1.

6. said graphic element (31) comprising an image to be inserted in a message to be sent in said messaging system (2), Detail of the graphic element (D １ ) when the size and / or class of the image is loaded into or associated with the at least one database (12) of the central unit (8), the resolution (R １ ) The graphic element, (D １ ) Lower detail (D ２ ), (D ３ ), or (D ｘ ) is determined by the size and / or size of the image resolution (R ２ ), (R ３ ), or (R Ｘ A messaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it corresponds to:

7. Resolution (R ２ ), (R ３ ), or (R Ｘ 7. The messaging system (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that the image having the first and second characters (30, 31) is mounted inside the first screen (80) for displaying an exchange of messages, inside a balloon / frame (37) containing one or more of the messages, and occupies an area (81) which is selectable by touch (82) if the display is of the touch screen type, or by clicking or by other externally activated events.

8. Resolution (R ２ ), (R ３ ), or (R Ｘ 8. The messaging system (2) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the image having the characters (31, 32, 33) is displayed inside a typing keyboard (77) implemented in a touch screen type display (82).

9. Resolution (R ２ ), (R ３ ), or (R Ｘ ) the image (33) having a resolution (R １ 9. The messaging system (2) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the starting image (1) has a "thumbnail" version corresponding to the one stored in the central unit (8) and corresponds substantially to a "thumbnail" version of the starting image.

10. A messaging system (2) according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the images (33) represent at least one concept, idea, object, mood or emotion in a stylized manner substantially corresponding to emojis (registered trademark).

11. The first software module loaded and / or executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) detects when a structured data packet (40) contains a pre-coded label / character / symbol (28) that approximately signals the presence of a graphical element in a message. a first computer object view defining a first screen (80) for displaying an exchange of messages (60); In a message defined in said first computer object view and displayed on a first screen (80), graphic and / or audio elements (31) to be displayed in said message are selected. Ｙ’’ ) Details (D ２ ), (D ３ ), or (D ｘ and a second computer object view configured to occupy a selectable area (81) corresponding to or slightly larger than the dimensions and / or class of the first computer object view.

12. The first software module loaded and / or executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) determines the resolution (R ２ ) graphic elements (31 Ｙ’’ 12. A messaging system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that following a touch (82), or a click, or other externally initiated event, performed on a display area (81) occupied by the user, a corresponding action (84) is automatically initiated.

13. The action (84) is a resolution (R ２ ) said graphic element (31 Ｙ’’ A messaging system (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it provides for initiating the playback of an audio or video element associated with a message.

14. In the second screen (85), a graphic element (31 Ｙ’’ ) and (R ２ ) or higher resolution (R ３ ) a graphic element (31) having a content corresponding to the content of Ｙ’’’ A messaging system (2) according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that:

15. In the second screen (85), the graphic element (31) Ｙ’ At least the content and / or links associated with the resolution (R ２ 15. The messaging system (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the messages are displayed in the format:

16. The first software module loaded and / or executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) is configured such that the second screen (85) is a third computer object view, on which graphic and / or audio elements (31) are displayed. Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｘ ) is (D ２ ) higher resolution (D ３ 16. The messaging system (2) of claim 1, wherein the third computer object view is displayed on a display of the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), the third computer object view being configured to occupy most or the entire display of the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6).

17. The first software module loaded and / or executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) and a software module loaded and / or executed in a central unit (8), the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) sending a request (86) to a central unit through a first software module, the request (86) further including data (87) of the size / resolution of the display of the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), the first software module being executed in the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6), The software module of the central unit (8) １ ) of size and / or class of graphic and / or audio elements (31) and, based on data (87) relating to the size / resolution of the display, ｘ ) of the size and / or class of the corresponding graphic and / or audio elements (31 Ｘ ), and ｘ ) is (D １ ) and is particularly suited to the size / resolution of said display, The graphic and / or audio elements thus created (31 Ｘ ) is the detail (D ｘ 17. The messaging system (2) according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the messaging system (2) is adapted to implement procedures having dimensions and / or classes of 1) and which are downloaded locally to the sending device (4) and / or the receiving device (6) for implementation in the messaging system (2) by the latter.

18. The first software module includes a detail (D) which occupies an area (81) selectable by touch (82) or click and is implemented in a first screen (80) for displaying an exchange of messages. ２ ) graphic and / or audio elements (31) having dimensions and / or grades Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｘ A messaging system (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is adapted to carry out said procedure in order to create a message (message) for each message.

19. The first software module is implemented in a second screen (85), ３ ) graphic and / or audio elements (31) having dimensions and / or grades Ｙ’’ , 31 Ｘ 19. A messaging system (2) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it is adapted to carry out said procedure in order to create a message (message) of the message.

20. The software modules loaded and / or executed in the central unit (8) provide the details and / or format (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ ) of dimensions and / or grades of graphic and / or audio elements (31 Ｙ ), and is configured to automatically create details and / or formats (D １ ) of dimensions and / or classes of graphic and / or audio elements are loaded into the database (12) of the central unit (8) or into the further database (47) with details and / or formats (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ ) size and / or grade (D １ A messaging system (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bandwidth is lower than that of the previous two claims.

21. The software modules loaded and / or executed in the central unit (8) provide the details and / or format (D ２ ), (D ３ ), and / or (D ｘ ) of dimensions and / or grades of graphic and / or audio elements (31 Ｙ ) is automatically created, and at that time, the first request is made by a purchase, by a sending device and / or a receiving device, of said corresponding graphical and / or audio elements; and / or a first download request is made by the sending device and / or the receiving device for the corresponding graphical and / or audio elements; and / or A messaging system (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that its use within the messaging system (2) is required.

22. Detail (D ２ ) of dimensions and / or grades of graphic and / or audio elements (31 Ｙ A messaging system (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dimension and / or class of detail is suitable for use and is inserted in the message (60).

23. A transmitting device (4) and / or a receiving device (6), a first local memory (90) in which to download and store identification codes (30') of all graphic and / or audio elements (31'), said first local memory (90) being associated within said database (12) of the central unit (8) with a unique identification code (ID) of a particular user, said particular user having logged in to the messaging system (2) using said sending device (4) and / or receiving device (6); A messaging system (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second local memory in which to download and store all the graphic and / or audio elements (31') corresponding to the unique identification code (30') downloaded and stored in the first memory (90).

24. In the second local memory (91), details (D ２ ) graphic and / or audio elements (31) having dimensions and / or grades Ｙ 24. The messaging system (2) according to claim 23, characterized in that the messages are downloaded and stored.

25. A messaging system (2) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that a first software module of the sending device (4) and / or the recipient device (6) shows only graphical and / or audio elements (31') on the display of the sending device and / or the receiving device, the unique identification code (30') of said graphical and / or audio elements being stored / present in a first memory (90) of the device itself.

Images